A museum has been criticised for holding yoga sessions in front of delicate historical fine art paintings.

The National Museum of the Philippines in the capital Manila launched the unlikely location for its stretching classes on October 4 to celebrate Museum and Galleries Month.

But the museum was met with outrage from concerned locals when it three the first of four free yoga classes attended by 18 students in its Spoliarium Hall.

Footage shows the participants on yoga mats trying to de-stress in front of Philippine revolutionary artist Juan Luna's 19th century Spanish-era oil painting 'Spoliarium' - which depicts a gruesome scene of dead gladiators being stripped of their weapons and armour.

In a promotional post, the museum had said: 'Yoga at the Museum's primary aim is to provide experiences in the museum that promotes and improves the wellbeing of an individual through a sensory activity, combining yoga with art therapy.'

However, critics said the precious artworks may be damaged from exposure to the humidity and sweat from the exercise, adding the museum had a courtyard which was a more suitable venue.

Joanna Bregaudit Vergara said: 'As a Yoga teacher and student myself, I wouldn't use a national museum to do yoga. Respect the masterpiece of Juan Luna and other artists as well.'

Ivy Manalansan-Casagnap added: 'That's one of our oldest masterpieces. I cannot see the significance of doing yoga in a supposed controlled environment. The humidity content of the surroundings will definitely have an effect on The Spolarium. Your strict protocols run counter to the purpose of this event.'

The next yoga class has not yet been announced by the National Museum. All sessions are free of charge, but slots are limited.

High humidity can promote the growth of mold and mildew on oil paintings. Mold can damage the paint and cause discoloration. It can also be a health hazard, especially for people with allergies.

However, with air conditioning throughout the museum and the spaciousness of the hall, it's unlikely that people stretching will have any effect on the works of art.